Madrid extols La Mesa's 2012 accomplishments

LA MESA — Just a few days before La Mesa is set to celebrate its centennial, Mayor Art Madrid gave his state-of-the-city address Tuesday afternoon at the first City Council meeting of 2013.

Madrid reviewed accomplishments of the past year, including the final update of the city’s General Plan, a smart growth planning grant from SANDAG that helped the city develop a bicycle/alternative transportation plan and the relocation of the city’s farmers market, which has shown overall sales growth.

He also talked up infrastructure improvements, a 10 percent decrease in violent crimes compared to 2011 and a parks/open space improvement plan that was also funded by a SANDAG grant.

Madrid noted some of the frustrations all cities in California have had to deal with, including the end of redevelopment agencies, the releasing of some prisoners back to the communities from where they came and economic challenges.

Madrid talked in prepared remarks about the city’s centennial celebration, and shared “the final and lasting memory of our yearlong celebration,” the city’s Legacy Project, a public art monument and time capsule downtown that he called “The Lookout.”

To be located at Allison Avenue and La Mesa Boulevard, Madrid said in his statement that “$157,300 has been raised from generous individuals, local merchants and companies,” hinting that contributions were still being accepted.

Looking toward the future, Madrid mentioned in his statement the coming Boys & Girls Club at La Mesa Middle School, which will result in the expansion of Junior High Drive, and the city’s Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project yet being vetted.

He mentioned public safety issues and finished with a reference to “the recent tragic and horrific incident” at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that “remind each of us of how unpredictable and fragile life is, how we often assume that we are immune from tragedies, pain and the other ills that permeate society simply because we are fortunate to live in (a) great community like La Mesa.”